La Spezia/ Italy, 27 June, 2024 - The First Steel Cutting ceremony for the third U212 Near Future Submarine (NFS)
took place at Fincantieri’s Muggiano shipyard.
The ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral Abbamonte, Italian Director for Naval
Armament, Programme Board and Programme Committee Representative, OCCAR
Director Mr. Joachim Sucker, and Dr. Dario Deste, General Manager Naval Vessels
at Fincantieri, who were also in La Spezia to attend the 7th NFS
Programme Committee (PC) meeting which took place on 26 June, 2024.
The First Steel Cutting ceremony marks the start of the construction for the third Italian NFS, which is
scheduled for delivery to the Italian Navy by the end of 2032.
The
U212 NFS Programme, managed by OCCAR on behalf of the Italian Navy, encompasses
the development and production of four (4) submarines and comprehensive In-Service
Support. The Programme also includes advancements in a Li-Ion Battery System
and the establishment of a state-of-the-art training center.
Another
significant milestone took place just before the First Steel Cutting ceremony: The signing
of the fourth amendment to the contract, which activates the NFS 4 Optional
Package. This amendment also includes an upgrade to the battery system,
transitioning from the previous one technology to a state-of-the-art Lithium
Battery system, which will equip the NFS class submarine starting with the
first of the class.
The
steel cutting ceremony for the third NFS submarine represents a pivotal step in
enhancing Italy’s naval capabilities and demonstrates a strong commitment to
international maritime security.
For more information on the U212 NFS Programme read: OCCAR - U212 NFS